Uterine pH and Embryo Survival in Cattle
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There was an interesting question on the affect of pH in the uterus and its effect on an embryo and subsequent pregnancy. The pH of the healthy vagina is around 4, cervical mucus 8.4, uterus 7.6 and oviductal fluid in the follicular phase 7.3 and in the luteal phase 7.5 to 7.8. There is ample evidence that pH changes with diet. It is seen in high producing dairy cattle consuming large amounts of excess protein contributing to reduced progesterone levels with an allied increase in prostaglandin production and a decrease in uterine pH resulting in decreased embryo development. Similarly in beef cattle on high protein lush, spring grass, or suddenly changed from a relatively dry feed to young rye grass. Media used in embryo transfer range from a pH of 7.2 to 7.6 to mimic the conditions in the uterus, this pH is especially important for spermatozoa (semen) which are far more sensitive to even small changes of pH outside the normal range.
Dr. Peter Elsden
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